Another Chance

December 16
Daily Reading – Jonah / Revelation 7-8  

GOD SAID:

Jonah 3:1-2 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

  There is an old expression used in business that says; “You never get a second chance, to make a first impression.” The idea behind it is simple. People form an opinion of you or your business by the first impressions made. Therefore, always be sure to put your best foot forward in all that you do. While I whole heartedly agree with this premise, I also know that with God, people often get a second chance to make a first impression. We see it today in Jonah 3:1-2 where it says; “And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.” God gave Jonah a second chance.

    God not only gave Jonah a second chance, but Jonah got a second chance to make a first impression. Jonah hadn’t made an impression on Nineveh yet. Honestly, if he had gone to there with the attitude he had originally, it may have cast a negative impression of his God. A message may have been delivered, but with a lackluster attitude. The revival that ultimately took place there, may not have taken place had Jonah gone there initially with a cold, bitter heart. However, when God got his attention, he delivered God’s message with a new lease on life. He still didn’t like the people of Nineveh, but he made a great impression of God before them because he received another chance in life.

GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

        The Bible says when we accept Christ, we become new creatures. We’re actually given a second chance to make a first impression. Sure, it takes time to outlive old mistakes, but if we stay faithful serving God, we gain another chance in life.

Doesn’t God’s do overs sound great?

Living In His Word Ministries
       “Getting people into the Word of God…
                               … and the Word of God into people.”

Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Hebrews 2:12